<p>I have a questions for the Amherst applicants and students. My sister will be picking a college to go to in the next couple years. And i am trying ti figure out where i can advise her to apply, large public schools or that she should consider applying to liberal arts colleges. I mean what are the main differences here? is it all like is being said about smaller classes and more personal attention? are there advantages lac can offer for grad school?</p>
<p>LAC's give you the opportunity to study (dabble in) what you want in many areas, what interests you, not just jump right in and focus on only one area and just meet requirements. Grad schools, even med schools take kids from LAC's. They like diverse student bodies, not just single interest kids to round out their classes. Because of their size, you have opportunities to play sports, get on teams, etc., that would be more difficult at a large school where much more recruiting goes on, and only the stars get on. You will probably get to meet and know more people just because of the closeness due to size. There are many, many more differences, but most of it is a different philosophy and lifestyle.</p>
<p>Oh, yes, and because so many LAC's are colleges, no grad program, their focus is on the undergrad and what is best for you. Many larger state U's, etc. put more effort into the grad programs. Depending on the school, you may even be able to structure your own major - mix some classes from one field with another in order to make it what you want. Many state U's because of size, and governmental regs cannot give you this flexibility.</p>